I just got back to Ann Arbor around 3pm today. I did not know that the dorms would not be opened until tomorrow so I am staying over at the guys place in Chalet. I can't wait to see you guys and hear all about how well your break went!
JOHN 18
This passage is separated in six parts, but it mainly revolves around Jesus getting arrested. He was praying with his disciples before he was confronted by Judas and a couple soldiers. He knew what they wanted, but he continued to ask them anyways. Jesus says this in order to reveal the situation and force them to action. They asked for Jesus of Nazarene and Jesus responded, "I am". These people, who were Jesus enemies, were drawn away and fell to the ground. I would expect his worshipers to fall to the ground instead. One of his disciples injured a soldier, Jesus said "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" The cup represents Jesus will. He is willing to accept everything the Father gives him, even the suffering.
Earlier in the book of John, Jesus also said that Peter would betray him three times before the rooster crows. Although Peter denies this will happen, he eventually ended up doing so. This reminded me of the discussion that we had during Lifegroup when we talked about whether or not we would deny Jesus if we, ourselves, had a gun pointed to our head.
Jesus was questioned by the high priest and Pilate. The high priest had questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching while Pilate question Jesus and ask him who he was. Jesus made it clear that he has spoken openly to the world of who he was. One of the officials slapped Jesus because he had answered the priest improperly. I liked the way Jesus answered to the high priest. "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" This highlights Jesus' dignity and boldness as well as his respect for the truth Honestly, I don't think I would of been so kind to the official.
Pilate asked Jesus to see what he has done that resulted in his arrest. Jesus responded by saying that "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." This is one of Jesus common practice in the gospel, he does not respond to the question directly. Jesus came to the world to testify of the truth.
This passage just reminded how everything that happen to Jesus was divine and planned out by the father. The suffering, the arrest, the profound answers that Jesus gave. Although the soldiers or the people might take credit for the arrest of Jesus. It was ultimately God's will that all of this came to place.
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I get back to Ann Arbor on Tuesday. It's supposed to snow in Maryland then, but hopefully I'll get back ok. Looking forward to seeing everybody and hearing everybody's stories.
Jesus makes it look sooo easy. I just finished reading "Tortured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand (founder of the Voice of the Martyrs). It talks about the Underground/Persecuted Church. The Christians who spend years and decades in prison being tortured in ways the author had trouble describing because it brought up so many horrific memories were rejoicing in Christ and forgave their torturers and even bringing some of them to Christ. They make it look so easy. Jesus truly had food the world knew nothing about. These persecuted Christians truly had food the world knows nothing about. Peter didn't get it when he denied Christ those 3 times, but man was he feasting on this heavenly food ever since. I'm kind of straying from the passage now, but I was just thinking: How was Christ able to say and act in that way and how are so many Christians around the world able to? Man, I want that. I need that. I want more and more of Christ. I want to know Christ more and more.
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